Important change in advice for people with relapsing remitting MS.

The UK Multiple Sclerosis Society has released important news today about changes to the way relapsing remitting forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) should be managed.

This new advice comes from growing evidence that even when people are in remission (not experiencing symptoms or new symptoms) the disease may in fact be continuing to cause damage to the central nervous system.

There is strong evidence that the earlier a person receives disease modifying therapy, the longer damage and resulting impairment can be delayed. This means that, in some cases, although people may not be experiencing physical symptoms, it might be advisable to consider disease modifying therapies.

Everyone with a relapsing form of MS is advised speak to their neurologist about treatment options so that they can make an active and informed choice about what’s right for them.

This change in recommended approach to disease management is very new and the Guernsey Branch of the MS Society is working with the Health and Social Services Department in order that more specific advice will be available to Guernsey residents soon.

A spokesperson for HSSD said:

“The Health and Social Services Department is committed to keeping informed of new clinical developments that affect the treatment and care of Islanders in respect of all of the services it provides. This advice for people with relapsing remitting MS is very recent news and a new development. We will be keeping in contact with the Guernsey Branch of the MS Society to ensure that they are fully informed with the latest information in the future on any local service changes. More work will need to be done to determine how this recommended approach to disease management may be reflected in the local services that are provided, we will also value the Society’s involvement and engagement in that respect.”